You’ll have to complete a short questionnaire (it took me less than 5 minutes) and they will e-mail you if you qualify! I have also heard that even if you’re not accepted into the scanner program, they will sometimes send you surveys and other opportunities along with cash reimbursement!

Here’s how it works:

If you qualify, they send you a hand-held scanner in the mail and the you use it to scan the bar codes on the items you purchase. Once a week, you submit your purchase information to them.

You earn points for submitting your information which can then be exchanged for prizes including electronics equipment, jewelry, household items, and more! Plus, you’ll be entered into asweepstakes to earn CASH! You will also receive surveys by e-mail and you will earn additional points for completing those.

Apparently, once you’re “in” they also send you freebies! I got a re-usable shopping bag from them when I was working with them, but others have reported that they received cell phones to test and more.

Here are some tips that have come from readers:

Scan you’re items as you’re adding them to your cart at the grocery store. Then, you don’t have to do it when you get home and the prices are right there in front of you if you have to enter them in!

Let your kids help with scanning! They will love playing “Grocery store”

If you’ve been doing the Nielsen Home Scanning program and have tips to share, please let me know!